Regeneration project, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Regenerating Edinburgh's old town

morgan mcdonnell’s development proposal for Advocate’s Close receives planning approval

morgan mcdonnell architecture ltd achieved planning permission this week for a regeneration project within the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town.
The mixed use development, which is being project managed by Graham + Sibbald for Station Properties Ltd of Edinburgh, comprises 80 residential units alongside ground level commercial accommodation in one of the world's most recognisable built environments which will breathe new life into a long neglected part of the World Heritage site.
Formerly City of Edinburgh Council offices, the majority of the existing buildings on the site are listed and date from the 16th century onwards. Despite their listed and conservation area status, years of public service and the changing face of the city have seen many modifications and changes, both internally and externally. The scheme will restore and reinstate heritage features throughout the site, as well as providing a fresh focus for urban life within the area with landscaped public amenity
spaces. Although regeneration is key to this project, the proposals include designs for new build elements, which compliment the complex vertical architectural character of this very distinctive city skyline. The aspect of the site, situated as it is on the sharp incline of the ridge of Castle Rock and the High Street, presents many structural challenges for appointed structural engineers Buro Happold.
The proposal, which has been in development for over a year, has been supported throughout by extensive and constructive consultation, both with the Cockburn Association, Edinburgh's Civic Trust, and the City of Edinburgh Council, as well as residents and other local parties.